Shubman Gill took the Test cricket community by storm against England in Birmingham in Test 2 of the ongoing five-session series. Gill’s exciting performance drew admiration from former English cricketer Jonathan Trott immediately after the encounter.
Very few Test captains can boast of a century just 2 games into their new phase with the national team. However, new Team India Test skipper Shubman Gill has a lot to brag with after registering one of the most successful batting spells as a captain. The 25-year-old fired on all cylinders to register 430 runs in India’s second Test against England in 2025.
Trott Feels “Privileged” to See Gill Marshall Innings Against His Country
Trott expressed his appreciation of Gill’s batting prowess after the star batter registered a quick-fire double-century and daddy-ton. Shubman ensured total dominance against the host bowlers as he raced to a combined 430 runs in Test 2 of 5:
“I honestly feel privileged to be here and witness that innings,” the ex-cricketer said.
Trott admits that he can’t remember any moment when the English had an upper hand over Shubman during the innings. He recognised the Test captain’s six-hitting abilities alongside his complete handling of proceedings in Birmingham.
“I can’t recall him giving the English bowlers even a single chance. The way he shifted gears – hitting sixes at will – without slogging, just pure cricket shots, was something special. Today, he showed how complete a batter he is. It reminded me of the previous Indian number four – almost a carbon copy of that genius. I don’t think he could’ve dreamed of a better start to his first two Tests on this tour,” the veteran cricketer added.
Is Shubman Gill a Carbon Copy of Veteran Test Batter Kohli?
Early batting prowess
Virat Kohli became a fan sensation very early into his career. Fans got a glimpse of Kohli’s undeniable talent during the 2008 U-19 World Cup. Kohli steered India’s youth team to victory in that encounter to supercharge his status as one of world cricket’s best batters.
Gill followed in Kohli’s footsteps exactly a decade later, as he guided the youth side to another world title after anchoring a hot chase in the final. Both stars showed their capabilities as youngsters, and we may see similar milestones achieved when their careers are over.
Similar technique
Shubman has grown into his role as one of India’s most-prolific batsmen in recent years. Fans can’t seem to get enough of his almost-identical batting skills when compared to Kohli. Gill continues to display mastery in his standard back-lift and low trigger movement, something Virat managed for years in cricket’s longest format.
Shubman also adopts Kohli’s textbook front-elbow drive and closed footwork combined with flexible head alignment. These movements have become a major part of Gill’s batting setup in recent years and continue to draw comparisons to Kohli.
Vast shot selection abilities
Kohli and Gill display similar movements before shot selection, and this likeness has increased comparisons between both cricket stars. Gill updated his cover drive movements in recent years; however, his straight drives and pull shots look identical to Kohli’s.
Can Gill Surpass Kohli’s Test Legacy?
It is too early to call, but Shubman’s assumption of the Test captaincy role gives analysts several positives regarding his eventual legacy. The youngster continues to show a balanced approach to leadership and openness to tweak strategies for great results under intense pressure.
Virat became the darling of global Test cricket for his ability to upend stubborn opposition on the way to securing victory for Team India. Gill could be his ideal replacement if the youngster builds on his current run of form to deliver India significant success in cricket’s longest format.
What Does the Future Hold for Red-Hot Captain Gill?
Veteran analysts and commentators believe Gill is the next big thing in Indian batting across formats. The current Test skipper may assume significant roles in other formats later on in his career as veteran hitters like Virat and Rohit Sharma enter mentorship positions.
Gill has a sharp ability to convert starts to big-hitting performances. His leadership acumen is also set to grow with each passing game for the national team or his franchise in the IPL.
Commentators currently believe Gill has everything it takes to eclipse other Test legends if he continues in his current fine form on the field. He is also set to receive significant support from several veterans as evident from the praise he received after Test 2 against England.
Retired stars like Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, and others are always available to guide the youngster towards assured success in India’s national team.
